Indian cricket witnessed the end of a golden chapter as Rohit Sharma, one of the modern greats, officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025. Revered for his effortless stroke play and calm leadership, Rohit’s decision marks a significant turning point for Team India, especially as they gear up for a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
In this blog, we’ll break down the reasons behind his retirement, revisit his remarkable Test journey, analyze his impact on Indian cricket, and discuss what the future holds for both Rohit and the Indian Test team.
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Rohit’s retirement from the longest format was not a sudden move but rather the culmination of a challenging period. Over the past year, the 37-year-old opener struggled to find form in the whites. His last nine Test matches saw him average just 10.93, a stark contrast to his previous consistency. The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia was particularly tough; after a string of low scores, Rohit made the bold call to drop himself for the Sydney Test, stating, “I have to be honest to myself… I wasn't hitting the ball well.”
The Indian selectors, known for their forward-thinking approach, saw this as the right moment to transition. With the next WTC cycle approaching and a pool of young talent waiting in the wings, the decision to move on from Rohit as Test captain was based on performance and the need for fresh leadership.
Rohit Sharma’s Test career is a tale of perseverance, reinvention, and late-blooming excellence. Debuting in 2013 with back-to-back centuries against the West Indies, Rohit initially struggled to cement his place in a star-studded middle order. For years, he was seen as a white-ball specialist, dazzling in ODIs and T20Is but often in and out of the Test side.
The turning point came in 2019 when the team management promoted him to open the batting in Tests. The move paid immediate dividends: Rohit scored three centuries, including a double hundred, in his first series as opener against South Africa. From then on, he became India’s most consistent Test batter, especially in home conditions.
His ability to dominate quality attacks, especially on turning tracks, made him a mainstay at the top of the order. As a captain, Rohit led India to the World Test Championship final and several memorable series wins at home.
Rohit’s elevation to Test captaincy was seen as a natural progression, given his calm demeanor and tactical acumen. Under his leadership, India continued their dominance at home and remained competitive overseas. He was praised for backing young talent and fostering a positive team culture.
Notably, Rohit’s leadership in the 2023-24 WTC cycle saw India reach the final, though they fell short against Australia. His approach as captain was characterized by aggressive field placements, trust in his bowlers, and a willingness to take bold decisions-like promoting himself as opener or dropping himself when out of form.
Every great career has its share of challenges, and for Rohit, the last year in Tests proved difficult. His struggles in Australia and New Zealand were well-documented, with averages of 6.20 and 15.16, respectively. Technical flaws against the moving ball and a lack of big scores led to mounting pressure.
Selectors, eyeing the future and the next generation of stars, felt the time was right for a change. Rohit’s decision to step aside as captain and retire from Tests was met with respect and understanding from fans and pundits alike.
In his heartfelt farewell message, Rohit wrote:
“It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. I’ve cherished every moment, every challenge, and every victory. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and fans for the unwavering support. I will continue to give my best for India in ODIs.”
While Rohit bids adieu to Test cricket, he is not hanging up his boots entirely. Having already retired from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit confirmed he will continue to play ODIs for India. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as India prepares for upcoming ICC events, including the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Rohit is also expected to continue his IPL career with the Mumbai Indians, where he remains one of the most successful captains in league history.
With Rohit’s departure, the Indian selectors face a crucial decision. Shubman Gill, seen as a future leader, is the frontrunner for the Test captaincy. Other contenders include KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant. The new captain’s first assignment will be the high-profile home series against England in June 2025.
Rohit Sharma’s Test legacy is defined by resilience, adaptability, and leadership. He proved that it’s never too late to reinvent oneself, becoming a world-class opener after years as a middle-order hopeful. His contributions to Indian cricket-both as a batsman and a leader-will be remembered for years to come.
He leaves behind a Test team in transition but also one that is richer for his presence, guidance, and example. Young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Sarfaraz Khan have all benefited from Rohit’s mentorship.
As Indian cricket moves into a new era, fans will cherish Rohit’s elegant cover drives, his calm leadership, and his ability to rise to the occasion. The “Hitman” may have hung up his Test boots, but his legacy will endure.
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